WASHINGTON - Employing a broad-based lobbying effort, the soft drink industry has smothered a plan to tax sugared beverages - a plan advocates said would have reduced obesity and helped finance health care reform. Only months ago, public health advocates thought the tax would be a natural for congressional Democrats looking for revenues to fund expanded health insurance coverage. The soaring costs of treating ailments related to excess weight - including diabetes and heart disease - added...
Full Story: Houston Chronicle
